Lipase catalyzed ascorbyl palmitate synthesis under microwave irradiation

• Biocatalyzed synthesis of ascorbyl palmitate.
• Evaluation of microwave irradiation into biocatalyzed process.
• Temperature and time effect on ascorbic acid degradation.
• Experimental design as a tool for optimizing biocatalysis.

The production of ascorbyl palmitate from palmitic acid and ascorbic acid through the esterification catalyzed by Novozym 435 was performed under microwave irradiation. The effects of different reaction parameters were evaluated. The reactions were carried out in organic solvent (acetone, tert-amyl alcohol, cyclohexane, acetonitrile) and the results show that tert-amyl alcohol was the best solvent for this reaction. Parameters as temperature, molar ratio and enzyme loading were evaluated through a central composite design (CCD). In the optimized conditions, 15% (w/w in relation of ascorbic acid weight) of enzyme, 70 °C and molar ratio 1:5, 71% yield of ascorbyl palmitate could be achieved after 1 h.

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